Obituaries

Allyn James “Al” Garavaglia, 77, of Naubinway, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, March 27, 2026, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey.

Born on August 6, 1948, in Newberry, Al was the son of the late Giovanni and Sarah (McPhail) Garavaglia. His life was defined by faith, service, hard work, and an unwavering devotion to the people and places he loved.

Al was a proud graduate of Oakland Community College, where he earned an Associate Degree of Applied Science magna cum laude in 1992, and Wayne State University, where he completed his Bachelor of Technical and Interdisciplinary Studies cum laude in 1996.

He dedicated more than 30 years of his life to General Motors, working in various roles and ultimately serving as a metal model maker-a position he cherished deeply. His craftsmanship, precision, and pride in his work were evident to all who knew him. Al lived in Rochester Hills from the early 1950s until 2000, when he and his wife settled in Rexton. There, he continued to pour his energy into the community he loved.

Al’s service was extensive and heartfelt. He was a member of Saint Stephen Catholic Church; a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #7472; a member of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Advisory Council. Al served as Hudson Township Supervisor for 15 years, running unopposed and tirelessly advocating for township needs. He was a key partner in raising Michigan’s “swamp tax,” a major financial boost for the community, achieved alongside the late State Senator Tom Casperson. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for Hudson and Hendricks Townships; was a prolific grant writer who secured funding for countless local projects; coached men’s and women’s soccer at Avondale High School and was a proud member of the United Auto Workers.

Al’s dedication to public service was matched only by his humility. He never sought recognition-only results that would help his neighbors and strengthen the place he called home.

Al’s interests were as wide-ranging as they were heartfelt: sharing and living his Catholic faith; fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors; grilling and frying fish-especially at the Knights of Columbus Naubinway Fourth of July fish fry, where he could be found cooking all day; feeding his “babies,” the deer and cranes that visited his yard daily; cherishing time with his family, who meant everything to him; motorcycling in his younger years; playing cards-always ready for a game; and building and renovating, often drawing his own blueprints with the skill of a seasoned craftsman.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah Evelyn (McPhail) Garavaglia and Giovanni Phillipe Garavaglia, and his brother, John Charles Garavaglia.

He is survived by the love of his life, the former Nadine Millmine, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage earlier this year; his lifelong best friend of more than 70 years, Chris (Sally) Bobek; his sons, Allyn James (Maggie) Garavaglia Jr. of Trout Lake and Daniel Phillip (Leah) Garavaglia of Rochester Hills. He was a proud grandfather to Casey Garavaglia of Niantic, CT; Elizabeth (Chris) Garavaglia-Jewel of Saginaw; Jacob (Emina) Garavaglia of Harrison Township; Riley Garavaglia of Waterford and Anton Marku of Lake Orion. He is also survived by his nephew John (Nikki) Garavaglia of White Lake and niece Amy Garavaglia of Shelby Township.

Al lived a life of purpose-rooted in faith, strengthened by family, and guided by a deep commitment to helping others. His impact on Hudson Township, his church, his coworkers, and his loved ones will continue to be felt for generations. He will be remembered for his generosity, his work ethic, his humor, and the way he made every person feel valued. Above all, he will be remembered for the love he gave so freely.

A gathering of family and friends will take place Wednesday April 8, 2026 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm at Saint Stephens Catholic Church in Naubinway. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2:00 pm, with Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating. Rite of Committal will take place in the spring of 2026 at Epoufette Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Stephens Catholic Church in Al’s loving memory.

Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.